The Definition of OVERKILL – OVERKILL in a Sentence

This video explains the meaning of OVERKILL. You will find the origin of this modern word interesting as it helps us to gain a deeper understanding into the meaning and definition of overkill.

The video provides 3 examples of OVERKILL in modern culture. Illustrations are provided and sentence examples so the student can form a strong mental association with the phrase containing OVERKILL and the picture.

Clipart is also used to graphically illustrate the meaning of the word.

Understand the modern meaning of OVERKILL and improve your English conversation skills.

Here is a transcript of the video . . . What is the Meaning and Definition of OVERKILL?

Slide 2:
The word OVERKILL originates with the United States military in the 1950s with reference to nuclear weapons which can destroy a target many times over.

In the 1960s the term was used to describe destruction in excess of strategic requirements.

Now OVERKILL is used in everyday English to mean:

Excessive action or treatment, an action that is greater than the circumstances warrant

Slide 3:
The picture shows a computer component surrounded by a lot of packaging.

Sentence example: Considering the size of the item, all that packaging seemed a bit overkill.

Slide 4:
The picture shows a small building with numerous air conditioner condensers mounted on the outside walls.

Sentence Example: The summer can get very hot, but 33 air conditioners seem overkill.

Slide 5:
The inset picture shows Bonny & Clyde, criminals in the United States during the 1930s. The larger picture shows their bullet-riddled car.

Sentence example: Famous 1930s gangsters, Bonnie & Clyde, were each shot more than 50 times, what you might call overkill.

Note: Law enforcement officers emptied their entire supply of ammunition into the car, 130 rounds in total.

Slide 6:
The meaning of OVERKILL in summary:

The word OVERKILL, although having a military origin, is now used in English to describe the use of excessive force, or an action that is far greater than the situation warrants or requires.

Slide 7:
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If you are interested in the definition of OVERKILL and seeing OVERKILL in a sentence, be sure to check another new word which entered the English language in recent decades:
The Definition of POP – POP in a Sentence

Image Credits

Slide 3 – packaging
Creative Commons
https://flic.kr/p/3PGKiS

Slide 4 – air conditioners
Creative Commons
https://flic.kr/p/dUvJa

Slide 5 – Bonny & Clyde
Public Domain
Car: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bonnie_Clyde_Car.jpg
Bonny & Clyde: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bonnieclyde_f.jpg

Regarding the use of illustrations and photographs used in this video:

Public Domain
Public domain works are not restricted by copyright and do not require a license or fee to use. Public domain status allows the user unrestricted access and unlimited creativity. These are typically very old works.

Creative Commons Attribution Licence
Others are allowed to copy, distribute, display, and perform copyrighted work – and derivative works based upon it if they give credit to the creator or source.
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode